Hughie Cannon wrote “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey” in 1902, but the song was popularized by Lloyd Price (on 1952’s "Lawdy, Miss Clawdy"), Louis Armstrong, Bobby Darin (reaching #19 in 1960), Sarah Vaughan (on 1963’s Sassy Swings the Tivoli), and Carol Channing. The title character is a railroad workman, and the song tells the story of a woman weeping for having kicked her hubby out. Originally a mix of big band and blues, most modern versions are barbershop or boogie-woogie. Phish has performed the song (in the latter format) six times, all with Page’s father on lead vocals and all but one on southern swings near the McConnell home (the 6/20/04 performance at SPAC being the lone exception).

"Bill Bailey, Won't You Please Come Home?" 10/15/10 North Charleston, SC (with Dr. Jack McConnell)

You must be logged in to leave a comment!